France: DNA tests to ID militants killed in Mali

In recent days, Chad, which is fighting alongside France in northern Mali, has claimed that two major leaders are dead: Abou Zeid, head of one of the most violent brigades of al-Qaida's North African franchise, and the al-Qaida-linked Moktar Belmoktar.

French officials have declined to confirm either death, although one official said Abou Zeid was probably dead.

Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said Thursday on French radio: "You have to do stringent verifications with DNA, and that's what the army is in the process of doing."

French troops launched a military operation in January to drive back the extremists marching on Mali's capital. Fabius said France would begin drawing down troops in April.